What Legal Rights Do Victims Of Terrorism Have?

The primary test faced by justice systems is how the victims of terrorist attacks get treated. Each victim needs equal and appropriate treatment to maintain moral integrity in the society. There needs to be proper support and protection of victims of the crime. Below is a list of legal rights that victims need to know.

Information Rights

Victims have the right to gain access to any information held by the state or any other person for protection and fundamental freedom. Before trial, you must give witness statements of the events that occurred in the witness care unit. The officer assigned to the victim will provide information on the time and place of trial. If the victim cannot make it to court due to unavoidable circumstances, they have a right to inform the witness care unit who will then notify the prosecution. If a victim needs extra help such as disability due to a terrorist attack, you have a right to use other measures like communication aids and producing evidence through a video link. A brief consultation with a trained professional such as Rick Nehora of NehoraLaw.com often opens the eyes to the victims and their families of what is possible for them. Sensitive information must be handled carefully in a manner that will not cause chaos.

Right to Interpretation and Translation

Interpretation is made during police questioning, meeting between clients and lawyers and all court hearings. However, this power gets challenged if someone is conversant with the language used. It is a way of ensuring fairness in the judicial system. Written documents also can be given to victims for translation purpose, to be able to defend their rights. Quality interpretation is essential, especially in matters related to law. The translator or interpreter should be professionally trained to provide accurate information. Misleading information can lead to wrong judgment. There are some countries where they have a group of interpreters and translators who specialize in law readily available. Victims of terrorism need to choose someone who they trust to get accurate information.

Compensation

Acts of terrorism can cause serious injuries such as getting maimed and in worst scenarios people die. Also, victims suffer from devastating psychological damage. These victims have an automatic right to get compensated and rehabilitated. A terrorist attack is a very traumatic experience and can completely change the life of the victims. Had it not been for the attack, the victims would have continued to live healthy lives. Some families’ breadwinners die or get disabled. They incur medical bills, and the cost of taking care of someone who cannot walk again is high. Victims of terrorism need professional counseling services to be able to view life positively. They need to be compensated well to live a life that is close to what they were used to before the attack. The medical bills need to be waived aside or paid by the government to offer financial relief to their families.

Protection

Privacy of victims of terrorist attacks and their families must be respected. There should be no contact between them and the offender. Protection of human rights for everyone is useful in enforcing counter-terrorism measures. Acts of terrorism can significantly jeopardize the security and peace of the victims. The victims have a right to testify in court without fear or intimidation. There right to freedom of movement should not be threatened. In many cases, terrorist attacks are planned by a group of people, but a few volunteers to commit the act. The victims need government protection until the end of the trial. Their identities need to be protected to avoid threats and torture to their family members. They need to have security as terrorism is a grave act that draws a lot of attention to the victims. When victims are not well protected, they can be coerced to give out false information out of fear for their own lives.

Review Decision Not to Prosecute

If the court decides that there is not enough evidence to prosecute terrorist attack suspect, it can cause stress to the victims and their loved ones. The victim has a right ask for a review to provide more evidence that can improve the quality of decisions made to secure justice. Right to review is allowed if the suspect in the terrorist attack is known and interviewed. The evidence has to be admissible, reliable and sufficient to prove that the defendant has committed a criminal offense. If the evidence is concrete enough, it increases the likelihood of a conviction. In case the victim is dead, the family members can ask for reasons not to prosecute. If the victim does not ask for a reason for the decision not to pursue, they can still get a review. Legal assistance for victims of terrorism and their families is essential in enforcing counter-terrorism efforts. There needs to be better funding for projects where victims can give narratives to prevent terrorist radicalization by sending messages of reconciliation.